Chicago Taxi Cab Accident Lawyers
Taxicabs are a large part of the Chicago transportation system. Considered "common carriers," these cars and vans are available for hire, and under Illinois law, their drivers are expected to ensure the safe transport of their passengers.
However, regardless of what the law might require, the taxi driver's income depends on accumulating as many passenger fares as possible during their scheduled shift. In many cases, and the driver's mines, making more money, often translates that getting to the next destination as fast as possible takes precedence over safety.
Hiring an Illinois Taxi Injury Attorney
The Chicago taxi cab accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC recognize the dangers that motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists face when sharing the crowded city streets with cabs.
Our office is committed to holding negligent cab operators entirely responsible for their acts when getting compensation for our clients' injuries.
If you, or a loved one, were injured in a Chicago taxi accident, contact our office for a free consultation. Our taxi cab accident attorneys currently represent clients throughout the United States, Illinois, and the Chicago area, including Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, Will County, Arlington Heights, Aurora, Chicago, Elgin, Naperville, Rockford, and Waukegan.
The Risk For Getting Injured in a Chicago Cab Accident
There are approximately 7,000 taxicabs registered within the Chicago city limits. Chicago taxis are unique compared to many other major cities. They are all not a particular color, like the standard yellow cabs operating in many cities, and their drivers do not need to wear uniforms.
Spotting fast-moving vehicles might be more challenging in the city of Chicago because the taxis may blend in with the other cars and vans sharing the road.
Due to their need to get their passengers to their destinations quickly to get to the next fare, taxicab drivers are often seen jutting in and out of traffic.
Many cab drivers are experienced and careful when transporting customers. However, the need to rush might increase their chance of causing accidents.
Victims of taxicab crashes might include:
- Passengers. Those riding within the cab might be hurt when another driver hits the taxi, especially if they are not secured in a seat belt.
- Motorists. Motorists who share the road with these fast-paced, common carriers might be rear-ended, sideswiped, or even cut off in traffic, causing severe accidents.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists. Some of the most vulnerable to taxicab accidents are walkers and cyclists. A taxicab that is in a hurry to get to its destination might not take the time to look for pedestrians or cyclists at intersections and crosswalks.
Since cabs are common carriers operated by taxi companies, they must, by law, treat their passengers with the highest duty of care to ensure they remain safe.
When accidents occur by the negligence of the taxi cab driver, they are held to a different standard than average motorists since it is their job to know and obey all traffic laws and put the safety of their passengers first.
Also, rideshare programs, including Uber, Lyft, and others, must carry a liability insurance policy obtained through a reputable insurance company to cover severe injuries and wrongful death. Rideshare companies operate differently than companies in that no taxi medallions are required.
Establishing Liability in a Chicago Cab Accident
Unfortunately, although all taxicabs must have insurance to cover their passengers in accident cases, getting paid for a crash is another matter.
There have been many injury cases where taxi cab companies try to divert all responsibility for accidents on the driver, instead of owning up to covering the accident costs under the broad scope of the company insurance.
For victims of a taxi cab accident, there may be a battle to get paid fairly for injuries and even wrongful deaths. Even in a seemingly simple auto accident where the taxicab is to blame, getting compensation may be difficult if there is a fight over whether the driver or the cab company is financially responsible.
Taxi Cab Accident FAQs
Chicago Taxi Cab Accident Lawyers for Injured People
Victims of these accidents need seasoned legal advocates fighting for their rights due to the complexity often involved in taxicab accident liability claims. Leave the negotiating to an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer that can work to get you the best financial recovery from those who are responsible.
The expert personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC understand the laws concerning taxi cab accident in Chicago. Call our car accident attorneys today at (888) 424-5757 and provide contact information to schedule a free consultation.
Our car accident lawyers have years of experience fighting aggressively for our clients' rights and will fight for your right for maximum compensation for your injuries or loss.
All discussions with our law firm remain confidential through an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send sensitive information to our law office through voicemail, email, or text message.
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